We're gonna finish the basement!

We finally decided that we are going to finish the basement.
With a baby now in the house, we've realized how much we need each little living space we can find -- and that need will surely grow as he gets older!  Just finding a place to put all of the stuff is hard enough!

Our basement is laid out like this:

Basement layout

The basement is really partially finished already since the only room that isn't finished is the main rec room.  That's almost 400 square feet that should be usable!  So far we've used it to store a section of our couch and a few odds and ends but that's about it.

The actual job shouldn't be too bad since we're not adding any crazy complications or weird layouts.  We are sticking with the layout the way it is since it really does work!  The TV (you have to have a TV) will be in that recessed area that you see above on the right.  That space seems perfect for enclosing a TV and entertainment center!  We will be framing up the walls around the room and running electrical, lighting, then drywall, carpet, and voilà!!

Here are before pics:











And here is where I am now!  I am basically learning how to frame as I go and I think I'm doing a pretty good job!






After all of the framing is done, it will be time to start the electrical.  I am going to have to hire someone to do that and I really am not looking forward to that ... mostly because of the $$$ but it's always worrisome to have some random person working on your house.  Hopefully we'll find someone good and it will all turn out.  Will post progress pics!